Raised Bill No. 136 Summary

• Requires vehicle manufacturers selling in Connecticut to make diagnostic and repair information available to motor vehicle owners and independent repair facilities on the same terms offered to franchise dealers, effective July 1, 2020 for model year 2002 vehicles and later.

• Mandates manufacturers provide access to diagnostic information and repair tools through daily, monthly, and yearly subscription options at fair and reasonable rates, with pricing determined by factors including net costs to dealerships, preparation costs, competitor pricing, and affordability for independent repair shops.

• Beginning in model year 2021, manufacturers must allow access to on-board diagnostic systems using standard, nonproprietary interfaces (SAE J2534/ISO 22900) or integrated vehicle systems, rather than requiring proprietary tools and interfaces.

• Permits manufacturers to exclude immobilizer and security-related information from owner/independent repair access, with such information obtainable through the National Automotive Service Task Force secure data release model or equivalent systems.

• Establishes violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices, requires 30-day manufacturer cure periods after written complaints, and allows owners and independent repair facilities to recover damages and attorney fees in Superior Court if manufacturers fail to comply.